JATHAKAM CHARTSawan Monday: The Month Dedicated to Lord Shiva
Sawan or Shravan is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, falling during July-August. This month is most dear to Lord Shiva, and special rituals are performed to worship him during this time. Fasting on Monday during Sawan is considered extremely fruitful. It is believed that Lord Shiva fulfills all the wishes of those who observe a Monday fast with a true heart during this month. Unmarried women observe this fast for a good husband, while married women observe it for happiness and peace in their married life.
Importance of Sawan and Kanwar Yatra
During the month of Sawan, Shiva devotees organize the Kanwar Yatra. Millions of devotees walk on foot carrying Kanwars on their shoulders, carrying Ganga water from Haridwar and Gangotri Dham, and then anoint the Shivalinga with it.
According to legend, Lord Shiva drank the Halahal poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean to protect the universe. The poison turned his throat blue, and he was called Neelkanth. Ravana, a great devotee of Shiva, brought Ganga water in a Kanwar and anointed the Shivalinga with it, thus relieving Shiva of the poison's effects.
Fasts and Worship Methods of Sawan
Three types of fasts are observed during the holy month of Sawan:
- Sawan Somvar Vrat: which is observed on Mondays of the month of Shravan.
- Sixteen Somvar Vrat: It is considered auspicious to start the fast from Sawan.
- Pradosh Vrat: It is observed during Pradosh period to seek blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Worship Method:
- Wake up before sunrise and take a bath.
- Clean the place of worship and set up the altar.
- Go to the temple and offer milk and water to the Shivalinga.
- Fast the entire day and pray to Lord Shiva morning and evening.
- Offer Belpatra, Dhatura, betel nut, Panchamrit, and coconut during the puja.
- Be sure to recite the Sawan Vrat Katha during the fast.
- After the puja is over, distribute Prasad and eat food.
Sawan Somvar Vrat Katha
In ancient times, there was a wealthy man who had everything but no children. He and his wife were devotees of Lord Shiva and observed fasts on Mondays. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva blessed him with a son, but also with an oracle that the boy would live only for 12 years.
When the boy turned 12 and went to Kashi for education, he continued to worship Lord Shiva on the way. When Yamraj came to take his life, Lord Shiva, pleased with his true devotion, blessed him with long life. Thus, Amar got life and his wife back. This story shows the glory of observing fasts and worshipping with a true heart.